FALSE WITNESS Meaning and
Definition
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A "false witness" refers to an individual who deliberately provides false or misleading information under oath or affirmation, particularly in a legal setting, in order to mislead, deceive, or incriminate others. It is a breach of honesty, integrity, and ethical principles.
The act of giving false testimony can occur in a variety of legal proceedings, including court trials, hearings, or other official investigations. A false witness knowingly makes a statement that intentionally contradicts the truth or distorts factual events, aiming to manipulate the outcome of the case or mislead those involved. This fraudulent act may be committed for various reasons, such as personal gain, revenge, or protecting oneself or others from potential legal consequences. A false witness can significantly impact the outcome of a trial or investigation, potentially leading to innocent individuals being wrongly convicted or guilty parties escaping justice.
The consequences of providing false witness testimonies can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but they typically include legal penalties such as perjury charges, fines, or even imprisonment. The seriousness of this offense is highlighted by its potential to undermine the fairness and integrity of the justice system, as it directly obstructs the discovery of truth, hinders the administration of justice, and erodes public trust in legal processes.
In summary, a false witness is an individual who knowingly and intentionally provides false information under oath or affirmation, jeopardizing the integrity of legal proceedings and potentially causing harm to the innocent.
Common Misspellings for FALSE WITNESS
- dalse witness
- calse witness
- valse witness
- galse witness
- talse witness
- ralse witness
- fzlse witness
- fslse witness
- fwlse witness
- fqlse witness
- fakse witness
- fapse witness
- faose witness
- falae witness
- falze witness
- falxe witness
- falde witness
- falee witness
- falwe witness
Etymology of FALSE WITNESS
The etymology of the phrase "false witness" can be traced back to Old English and Middle English.
The word "false" originated from the Old English word "fals", meaning "deceitful" or "lying". It can be further traced back to the Old French word "faus", ultimately derived from the Latin word "falsus", meaning "false" or "counterfeit".
The word "witness" comes from the Old English word "witnes", which means "knowledge" or "testimony". This word can further be traced back to the Old High German word "zeuginis", meaning "testimony" or "witness", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*witnassuz", meaning "knowledge" or "observation".
Idioms with the word FALSE WITNESS
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bear false witness
The idiom "bear false witness" is a biblical reference taken from the Ten Commandments, specifically the ninth commandment, which states "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." It means to give a false testimony or provide untrue information, especially under oath, during a legal proceeding or when providing evidence. It implies deceit, dishonesty, and knowingly making false statements with the intention to deceive or cause harm to someone's reputation.
Similar spelling words for FALSE WITNESS
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